Bridgestone Americas’ Aiken County off-road tire plant (Aiken ORR) in Trenton, South Carolina, has been awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification by the US Green Building Council (USGBC). LEED recognizes buildings that are designed, constructed, and operated according to certain practices in regards to their energy, environmental, and human health credentials.

Aiken ORR achieved the LEED certification for implementing sustainable solutions aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing the factory’s environmental footprint. Most notably, achievements include initial site location selection, preferential use of local and more sustainable materials, finding beneficial reuse opportunities for 92% of the construction debris and 100% of the manufacturing discarded materials, and using Firestone Building Products pond liner to create a rainwater harvesting system that captures and uses roof run-off water.

Furthermore, the Aiken ORR plant conducts neighborhood roadside cleanups, manages its site to restore the Longleaf Pine Savannah Habitat, and provides on-site STEM education for school children through the Bridgestone Environmental Education Program (BEEP).

“LEED certification identifies the plant as a showcase of sustainability and demonstrates leadership in transforming the building industry,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO, USGBC.

“Aiken ORR’s LEED certification is further recognition of our innate culture to pursue fully sustainable operations and help ensure a healthy environment for current and future generations,” said Jim DeMouy, vice president, environment, health, safety and sustainability, Bridgestone Americas.

About Author

Rachel's career in journalism began around five years ago when she started working for UKi Media & Events, having recently graduated from Coventry University where she studied the subject. Her favourite aspect of the job is interviewing industry experts, including researchers, scientists, engineers and technicians, and learning more about the ground-breaking technologies and innovations that are shaping the future of the automotive and tire industries.